Water damage is the stuff of nightmares for most property owners. Unfortunately, water damage is quite common, as it can be caused by many natural events. The damage caused can cost thousands to restore, with every part of a flooded house, from its foundations to its furniture being affected. So, what type of water damage can you expect to see?
The presence of mold is the most common effect, requiring professional mold removal and mold remediation services. Mold is part of nature's way to help in the process of decomposition, but it is also highly destructive to property. Just 24 to 48 hours after sustaining water damage, mold will start to grow. Mold can grow any surface and can be found anywhere, from under your floorboards to the inside of your kitchen cupboards. It affects the structural integrity of a property and can even affect the health of people living there. Hence, if there is mold, it has to be taken care of straight away. Black water contamination is another potential danger that needs to be addressed. Black water is the most dangerous category of water because it usually includes human and animal waste. When black water contamination happens, which can be because of lake or river water, there is a real danger to public health. It is possible for a property to recover from this, but this is very difficult and all furniture and structural elements of the home will often need to be replaced. After a black water contamination, both residents and cleaners have to get vaccinated against tetanus and other diseases. It is common for black water to be present in basement water. Gas and electricity lines are also often damaged by water. It is important that all appliances and other equipment are turned off and that all wires and pipes are checked. This means that most people in a water damaged property will not be able to make use of their utilities for some time. Even the smallest bit of basement water can cause this problem and it usually means having to replace electrical and gas appliances, costing thousands of dollars.
Last but not least, water damage affects health. In fact, it is the health problem that make it so necessary to phone a restoration expert as soon as possible. Mold, for instance, can enter the airways leading to asthma attacks and more significant allergy problems. For children, the elderly, and people with a compromised immune system, this can be truly dangerous. Indeed, even people in good health are at risk. As stated, black water contamination is a very real danger. Lastly, there is the emotional stress and pain associated with experiencing water damage, which is something that should always be considered. Often, homes end up condemned, meaning people will literally lose the things that they have loved.